Palo Alto Celebrates 125 Years Of City Hood

PALO ALTO, CA — After a century and a quarter, Palo Alto still considers itself as the heart of the Silicon Valley, city Historian Steve Staiger insisted.

After all, the San Francisco Peninsula city holds the distinction of having a landmark that's considered the birthplace of the technology-driven valley — the Hewlett Packard garage where the two tech giants worked on an audio oscillator. The garage has made the list of California historical landmarks and the National Registry of Historic Places.

Staiger, a 35-year resident who once served as the city's librarian, told Patch tour bus riders treat the place like a shrine.

"I'm sure that's not what Hewlett and Packard would have expected," he said.

It's unclear whether pioneers like the two men would have also expected the monumental traffic congestion motorists experience on the Peninsula and the skyrocketing price of an average house in the city, which may run about $3 million.

It's gotten to the point where more people are living in San Francisco and commuting to the South Bay than the other way around as traffic patterns were a few decades ago.

"Thirty 30 years ago, we had a reverse commute. It's not talked about very much but Interstate 280 is full going south in the morning and going north in the evening," Staiger said. "This has changed Palo Alto more than anything."

What's the biggest development that's changed the landscape and lives in Palo Alto?

Staiger answered by citing the building of the Stanford Research Park that positioned the university as a formidable ground zero of academic pursuits.

Ralph Britton, who has spent all 83 years of his life in the city, has seen much change in what types of businesses and organizations exist today.

Britton described a city of "working people" who opened businesses like automotive repair shops. Now those companies have given way to upscale restaurants run by owners who can afford to live and work in Palo Alto.

Britton makes the case the shift in demographics has changed the neighborhoods. In his neighborhood surrounding California Avenue, most residents were middle class. His father taught photography. Across the street, a neighbor ran a foster care home. Another was a machinist.

Holdouts who don't make seven or more figures, still work in Palo Alto but live far away in a more affordable town get into "rush hour traffic at 2 p.m."

The region got richer with the surge in tech.

"There was no silicon back then. The economy helped the war effort," he said.

After World War II, there was much to celebrate the liberation of the free world.

A well-deserved party

Here's another reason in modern days. As Palo Alto marks 125 years of existence, a list of festivities have been planned.

Friday night's is a biggie for those who like to dance their way to prosperity. After a seven-year hiatus, the Black & White Ball returns to Palo Alto.

The ball is scheduled from 7 p.m. to midnight at the iconic Lucie Stern Community Center at 1305 Middlefield Road.

With over 1,000 tickets sold, the sellout crowd is expected to bring together the entire community, including a who's-who list of Silicon Valley notables, the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation said.

The event encompasses the entire property of Lucie Stern, including 10 distinct areas of entertainment with live music from The China Cats, Super Diamond, Mustache Harbor, and DJ Celeste.

Debuting at the ball this year is "Taste of Palo Alto," which features 18 local chefs and award-winning restaurants serving only their best bites. Guests will indulge in sips and nibbles from Zola, Terun, Vino Enotecca, St. Michael's Alley, INDO and Pacific Catch.

Guests are also invited to enjoy JCB wine tasting from the Boisset Collection run by Jean Charles Boisset.

Also on hand at the property, the Palo Alto Museum will display a rare compilation of local stories and photos honoring the past, present and future of Palo Alto.

The Palo Alto Recreation Foundation assists the City of Palo Alto Recreation Division by sponsoring and funding programs with special events that promote social, cultural and recreational connections for Palo Alto residents, surrounding neighbors and visitors.

More information on the Palo Alto Black & White Ball is listed on the website.